Russell Shepard: More Than a Hot Commodity

Jared Gravette

09/05/2007

It's no secret that Cypress Ridge QB and Texas target Russell Shepard is going to be one of the most highly recruited athletes in the nation next year. Shepard picked up four verbal offers before even stepping onto the field for his junior season. Since then, he has picked up three more offers, one being from one of his top schools. So, who's offered?

"I got two more offers from Nebraska; they offered me and Alabama. The Nebraska offer came three days ago, and Alabama came two days ago," said Russell Shepard.

This brings Shepard's offer total to seven. He also holds offers from Minnesota, Arkansas, Texas Tech and Texas A&M. Of the schools that have offered, Alabama is the school that he has shown the most interest in.

"I think that they realize I can play," Shepard said of Alabama. "I had a big game this week. I threw for 180, and I rushed for 100 yards. I think their coach has a lot of confidence in me. They came down and watched me practice, and they offered me as a quarterback. That's what they told me. They are still recruiting the type of offense that they want. With them offering me, it makes me think even more highly of them."

The Crimson Tide may have the slight advantage with Shepard over the other schools that have offered, but he isn't ruling anybody out. The Nebraska offer was also a big one.

"Nebraska is a powerhouse in the Big 12. I've heard a lot about the quarterback that they got in the '08 class, Blaine Gabbert. I would love to compete against him and learn things from him. I've heard he has a really good arm. Nebraska is definitely a school that I will look at," Shepard said.

Many thought that Texas might reverse their recent trend of not offering junior until after signing day, but there have been no signs so far that this might be the case. However, the Longhorns have been in contact with Shepard.

"Yes sir," Shepard said when asked if he had heard from Texas. "As a matter of fact, I got a hand written letter today from Coach Giles just talking about the progress I had made over the summer. It said that they look forward to seeing me. My coach has talked to them. So, I've heard from them."